Why Condos & Townhomes are Great for 55+

Many condo and townhome communities specifically cater to 55+ residents, but all age communities are great options for retirees looking to downsize and find the right new home for their new lifestyle. The impressive amenities and minimal maintenance found in condo and townhome communities are some of the reasons why they make great options for 55+ home shoppers.

Here’s a peek at some of the key reasons why condos and townhomes are great for anyone 55+.

Less Square Footage Means Less Upkeep

By the time you start thinking about retirement, your kids are likely out of the house giving you a few empty rooms to take care of. If you want a lower maintenance lifestyle, finding a home with a smaller footprint might be right for you.

Telenia Piedra moved to her downtown Miami condo not long after she celebrated her 50th birthday, decades after living deep in the city’s suburbs. “My youngest child had gone off to college and the house was a lot quieter,” she recalls. “After a while it made sense to get rid of some of the responsibilities of homeownership that I no longer needed.”

With fewer rooms to clean and no yard to worry about anymore, “I felt lighter and more independent. I fell in love with the worry-free environment of a condo almost immediately,” Piedra says.

It’s Easier to Travel

If you’re looking to minimize stress and your to-do list, its easier to secure a condo or townhome when you head out of town. Some communities provide 24-hour security presence in addition to having cameras installed throughout common areas. Even in communities that don’t offer these services, it’s a lot easier to leave your home for a few days if all you have to do is lock the door.

With a condo or townhome, there’s no outdoor furniture to haul in (or at least less of it). Nor do you need to secure trash bins or bicycles that may be vulnerable to theft in a single family home that lacks a garage. Many condo and townhome communities provide locked storage areas, making it easy to enjoy traveling with less stress about what’s going on back home.

You Finally Finally Have Time to Enjoy the Amenities

Some condo and townhome communities have resort-like grounds that include walking trails, golf courses, gyms, pools, movie theatres, recreation centers, and more. Unlike younger homeowners who may be too busy launching careers or attending kids’ soccer games to take full advantage of great amenities, you can go all in when it comes to reaping the benefits of having so many amenities at your doorstep.

Shared Services Reduce Your Daily To-Do List

Condo and townhome communities with HOA fees typically include services like trash pickup and yard cleanup, reducing the number of household chores that homeowners have to deal with. From something as simple as changing your air filters to bigger maintenance needs in or outside the home, many HOA fees have you covered, so all you have to do is make a phone call. “Someone usually comes by within 24 hours to take care of any maintenance issues,” Piedra says. “This means no longer having to call outside vendors, request referrals, and things like that. Everything is included.”

Depending on where you live, the shared services may even include luxury touches, such as a car valet. “Even though I have assigned parking, we also have a valet and I’ve gotten quite used to having my car driven out for me anytime I need it,” says Piedra. “We also have a receiving center so I no longer have to worry that a package will be delivered and I won’t be around to sign for it.” There’s even a small deli that delivers groceries to homeowners right inside Piedra’s building.

Proximity to Goods and Services Make Accessing Them Easier

While you’ll find condo and townhome communities everywhere, the vast majority are nestled in urban or suburban settings that provide easy access to shopping, dining, hospitals, and more. In fact it’s a major selling point for many realtors. For some condo and townhome owners the reduced drive times to these goods and services is like putting hours back in their day.

The Chance to Meet Like-Minded People

Empty nesters are ready to fill the space left behind by kids who are off to college, and these close-knit communities provide ample opportunities to meet new people. From clubhouse gatherings to bicycle trails, some condo and townhome communities are known for their social activities that bring neighbors together.